Vanished: Shadows and Light

by Morgan Vela

In the wake of Upherya's descent into darkness, the Elvin Kingdom rises to lead the fight against the army of shadows.

Belynda shoulders the burden of locating the Sands of Time for a chance to save the fractured realms. Yet, she must also battle her own demons, the seductive Water Lord and the unyielding Dragon Prince splitting her heart in two.

In the face of death, love becomes a battleground where differences are reconciled through sacrifice and compromise, and forgotten friendships are rekindled. Yet, as war looms ever closer, the question can light alone defeat the darkness? Or will the Fates’ warning herald a new era for the realms.

When faced with the ultimate decision, will the failure to choose signal the final reckoning?

520 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2025

About the author

Morgan Vela is an author of romantic fantasy novels. Her stories join with shifters, witches, and dragons and explore other realms—while magic fills the pages of her stories, romance guides her imagination.

I have made up stories in my head for as long as I can remember—I have seen dragons and magic-filled worlds since I was young. I have traveled long and far and lived many lives through the pages of books I’ve read. This freedom of believing in the impossible, even briefly, made me want to share my stories. And so, my journey began as a writer.


Find out more about Morgan Vela here:

tiktok.com/@morganvelaauthor

instagram.com/morganvelaauthor

Reviews

[Disneysparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanished: Shadows and Light

Damn! What a ride this book was.

Vanished: Shadows and light is the fourth and final book in the Vanished series and it did not disappoint. In this book we continue the journey of Belynda and her fight for the realms. As well as the continued battle between Callix and Drake, fighting for our girls heart. The tension between the three thickens the more you read and just keeps getting better. We do get some delicious scenes 🥵 so make sure you are ready for a little bit of spicee! 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

The plot is thick with more twists, turns, sacrifice and love gripping you throughout. Morgan delivers the fantasy genre well, not just by giving us the magic but by also diving deep with lore allowing us to fully understand the history about these worlds and what is at stake. Alongside this, we get some comebacks from previous characters, pulling at the heartstrings and making the story relatable even through it is a romantacy.

I honestly loved this book and will be investing in the physicals (i read them on kindle) to add to my shelf.

So should you read this series? YES! 100000000% YES.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanished: Shadows and Light by Morgan Vela is book four in the Vanished Series. This book is not a standalone and this series must be read in order. I’ve been a fan of this series since the start and to say I was eager for this book would be an understatement. I will give a warning that you may not be able to put this book down so plan accordingly; I personally lost hours while reading. In all honesty this book was incredibly bittersweet for me, knowing it was all coming to an end. I will admit that I needed to keep a box of tissues near me as I cried. This book made me feel so many different emotions. Especially after being team DRALLIX for so long. Even though part of me was terrified of this book, in the end it became my favorite of the series. Belynda, Drake and Callix have been some of the best characters written in a series and the emotional journey was just so darn good. There’s so much to unpack but the main highlights for me were the found family, the relationships centered between love and friendship. The tension was in a class of its own. The writing was phenomenal with all the worldbuilding, everything was fantastic to me. It is all consuming and addictive. This series is hands down one of my favorites; the ending was perfect with the closure I felt. I can’t say enough about this author, her writing ability is breathtaking. I highly recommend this series.

Now and forevermore, #TeamDrallix

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Castiel A. Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Vanished: Shadows and Light" is the final book in the series and Morgan Vela did NOT disappoint. I have fond memories starting this series back in 2023 and to have it come full circle is bittersweet. Homegirl Belynda is gearing up for war while also struggling between Drake and Callix's hearts. The tension between the three was insane and Morgan did not hold back with these gorgeous men. My jaw was quite literally on the floor when I read some of those scenes. (If you know, you know.) I fully support how messy Belynda was because those men would go to the end of the world for her. I loved how this book also tied back into the subplots of the first book. I was wondering by book three if some of the characters from the earlier series were going to make an appearance and sure enough, they did. Loved to see Belynda reunite with her friends and dive deeper into the lore of this magical world. I have the upmost respect for authors who actually deliver on the high stakes in their world, and Morgan showed that even in this Romantasy series, there are tough sacrifices that have to be made. The ending was perfect, almost like a nice bow. I'm excited to see what new projects she has instore next! 10/10

[Nikki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

First of all this series has become an absolute favorite. My last review of the book before I wanted Drake to redeem himself and he did that and more. This story was absolutely beautiful. I adore everything about it and Im excited for more from this author. She is truly talented snd Im mad I didnt read this sooner. I do have a question? Ive reread the end a few times. Can Drake no longer visit the other realms or people because of the shadows? Or was he just not back currently bc he has to be gone sometimes for weeks? I wanted more of the future of everyone’s lives! Im sad its over lol. This was an amazing journey! I will be purchasing for my collection. An absolutely beautiful story I will reread time and time again.

[Michelle Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th and final book in the series. Everything considered I believe it was my favorite book in the series. This book has it all the beautiful world, the amazing magic, the witty banter, and the impending doom. There is also hope, friendship, found family, and love. I’m not going to tell you I didn’t cry. I did, like a baby. I’m ok with that though because the connection with these characters is so deep. You feel it all. That is one of the reason I’m so in love with this series. My heart broke but it was put back together. This was honestly the perfect ending to the perfect series!

[Jennifer Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️🤍
Series together rating 5+ ( it deserves more stars)

It was the last book, and it rocked! Loved seeing the old characters back, and how they supported Belynda without judgment. Her connection with Drake and Callix was amazing! Forever team DRALLIX.💛

What I loved most about this series was the phenomenal writing and world-building. The characters really grew, and tension throughout. It was impossible to put down. Amazing job, Morgan Vela, You should be so proud. Thanks for letting me read your books!

[Kristi Schatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing!!! I loved this book. It's bittersweet for me being the final book, but what an amazing book it is. I tried to read slower, so it wouldn't end to fast, but I couldn't put it down. The relationships that have been built through this series all come together perfect. My emotions were all over the place. I love the world building and characters. And the ending 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼.

[Kat Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic! What a fantastic series! It kept me hooked. at this point in book 4, I can't say too much without spoiling, but I will say that this series checks so many boxes for me! Epic battles, emotional scenes, and love, even the fates, can't end. I thoroughly look forward to reading more from Morgan Vela!

[Rhiver Rhose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be able to read this early, and I couldn't be happier. This book was the final in the series, and as much as I hated it to be over, it had the perfect ending. If you love fantasy books with dragons, a water lord, and spice, then you should check this series out.

[Tenasha Gummybear_smutbookreder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good this is the 4th book on the series please start with book one love the characters and all the emotions this brings out 10/10 highly recommend

[Jaess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in Morgan Vela's Vanished series will utterly wreck you—in the best way. After the intensity of the first three books, this fourth book brings everything to a dramatic, heart-stopping conclusion.

Belynda is stuck between Callix and Drake. The fates have woven their fate together and between facing the dangers of the war, Belynda is trying her best to figure out how to deal with being bound to the two men, the light and the darkness. Loving the both of them. How can she choose one over the other? The book shows you the struggle. The small sparks of light and hope drizzled with spice. The pain, the fear, the finally battle.

Once again, Morgan Vela delivers. She thrusts us headfirst into the elemental world, where every scene brims with visceral detail. You’ll taste the blood of fallen warriors, feel the chill of shadows closing in, and sprint alongside the characters as though your life depends on it. I couldn’t put it down—my grip on my Kindle grew so tense I might’ve gained muscle just from reading.

This book made me laugh, cry, and even consider throwing my brand-new Kindle across the room. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with a conclusion that feels right at home in the fantasy genre: epic, raw, and unforgettable.

[Kate Pazanin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This why choose romance series ends with a bang. Way to knock it out of the park Morgan. The trials and turmoils will tug at your heart, devastate you, and stitch you back together. The series is a must read you won't be able to put it down. I'm sad that it is over.

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Morgan does it again with another fantastic book!!!! Loved the whole series!!!!

[Darlene V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether it’s a mesmerizing Underwater Kingdom where the Water Lord never apologizes for who he is or a Kingdom with a Fire Dragon Prince that is possessive and wants you all to himself, this spicy Why Choose Romantasy series was worth the read! Belynda, Callix and Drake have been bonded together by Isabel’s sacrifice. And now that Belynda has finally decided who she wants between the two friends and whom she truly loves they must put their differences aside to work together if there is any hope of fighting Degasti and saving the fractured realms.

This was an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me with 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ for spice. The angst about their destinies, the jealousy that rears it’s heads as Belynda finally is honest with herself on who she wants, and the ending I felt was fitting for Shadows and Light. Morgan Vela will pull at your heart strings, rip it out, then put the pieces back together in this one so get ready for the ride and the end of an amazing Romantasy series! #TEAMDRALLIX

[Luminoustaina TaínaMoodReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say that from book one I have been so impressed and technically obsessed. This author wrote an amazing book series & I know am not the only feeling sad because this book four its the final book, no more one more chapter …. Seriously recommend this book series if ya haven’t read it yet!! Morgan you did so amazing am very proud of you and glad I was part of this journey, Thank you so much..

Book Four had more in an emotional roller coaster most definitely. I knew from reading book 1-3 that I would need two plus boxes of tissues. This book seriously torn me into a million pieces in the same time glued me back together, So yes get ready to feel the magic the love the hurt the friendship the hope and much more…This was the only only BITTERSWEET moment ever and it’s ending took my breath away!!
⭐️❤️‍🔥⭐️❤️‍🔥⭐️❤️‍🔥⭐️❤️‍🔥⭐️

[Viviana · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the last book in the series oh but what an ending this series make you feel like you are there along with them. if you enjoyed great world building that envoles a water lord and a fire dragon prince, found family and a bad ass female this series is for you, this is a 4 book series and you have to read them an order, spoliers alert.
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. drake and callix heart to heart is one of my favorite moments in this books had me feeling all in awww

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thanks to Morgan Vela for the ARC!!

I thought it a great wrap up to the Vanished series. Early on in the series I wasn't sure which team I was on, but #TeamDrallix got a WHOLE NEW meaning in this book! I feel like I walked away from this series with no unresolved questions, as any final book in a series should be.

If you thought the previous 3 books were spicy, buckle up ;)

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing the too this series! It's bittersweet that the series has come to an end. I was so sad to see it come to an end but it was the perfect ending. Morgan is such an amazing writer and has done such an incredible job with this series, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next

[Luvianae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Vanished series and Morgan finished it perfectly! The entire series is great! Drake and Callix are amazing in the final book!!!! Definitely don’t miss reading this series.